SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton welcomes first train into Strategic Rail Freight Interchange

Winvic Construction Ltd is proud to mark a significant milestone at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton (SLPN), as Maritime Intermodal Six became the first freight train to enter the 35-acre Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) on 16th June.

This transformative scheme not only signals the operational launch of the SRFI, but also marks the first freight service to traverse the newly reinstated East West Rail section between Oxford and Bletchley – an important leap forward in the UK’s drive for sustainable, integrated freight solutions.

Appointed as principal contractor, Winvic was responsible for the full turnkey delivery of the SRFI, a key component of the 450-acre logistics park. Works included the relocation of one million m³ of material, the construction of a 19,800m³ reinforced concrete terminal slab – capable of handling up to 2,000 freight containers – and formation of a 1.2km, 70-degree screening bund. This bund, constructed using a mechanically stabilised earth wall method, provides essential acoustic and visual screening. The SRFI is also equipped with a terminal building and one kilometre of rail siding, facilitating seamless multimodal freight operations.

Winvic has been on site at SLPN since the start of 2021, delivering the extensive site-wide infrastructure works, and major enhancements to the strategic road network, such as significant upgrades to M1 Junctions 15 and 15a, the construction of a new 2.5km bridge over the West Coast Mainline, a bypass around the village of Roade, and the creation of new, safer junctions along the A508.

Winvic remains on site at SLPN delivering two new state-of-the-art industrial units.

Rob Cook, Managing Director for Civils & Infrastructure, Winvic said: “Seeing the first freight train arrive is a real milestone for our team and the wider project. The SRFI has been a complex piece of infrastructure to deliver, and we’re proud to have played a part in bringing this key element of SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton to life. It’s a flagship example of how we help enable modern, low-carbon freight solutions through major infrastructure delivery.”

Kate Bedson, Senior Director, National Markets at SEGRO said: “We’re excited to see real momentum building at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, marked by the completion of the rail freight terminal infrastructure, the arrival of the first train and the completion of Yusen Logistics’ new facility – the first warehouse to be constructed on the park.”

“Each freight train can remove up to 76 HGVs from the road with a consequential reduction in carbon emissions, making this a crucial step towards more sustainable logistics. With rail freight contributing £1.7 billion to the economy, this milestone is not only a shot in the arm for growth, it also supports a greener, more efficient supply chain.”

John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport said: “The arrival of our first train in Northampton marks an important development for UK rail freight and reflects the successful delivery of nationally significant infrastructure. With our newest service now operating daily, we look forward to expanding our offering from this key location in the months ahead to major UK ports and regions.”

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